Debates of May 27th, 1996

This is page numbers 647 - 688 of the Hansard for the 13th Assembly, 3rd Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library. The word of the day was ---.

Topics

Members Present
Item 1: Prayer
New Handbook - "dealing With Child Abuse"
Presentation Of An Award To St. Patrick's High School Sadd Group
National Access Awareness Week
Proposed Make-up Of Nunavut Government
Recognition Of Brook Mattick In Locating Downed Aircraft Near Fort Simpson
Increase In Fees To Seniors' Facilities
Creative Solutions For Financial Management In The Nwt
Arena For Resolute Bay
Survey On Deficit Elimination Tax
Member's Statement Extending Thanks To Emergency Workers At Plane Crash Site Near Fort Simpson
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Status Of Cabinet Vote On Motor Vehicles Act Amendment
Negotiations For Transfer Of Joe Greenland Centre
Government Training Funds For Nunavut
Federal Responsibility For Aboriginal Health Services
GNWT Security Measures
Inuvik To Tuktoyaktuk All-weather Road
Funding For Clyde River Wharf Improvements
Tabling Of Affirmative Action Plan
Community Block Funding Payment Schedule
Item 9: Replies To Opening Address
Item 12: Reports Of Committees On The Review Of Bills
Extended Adjournment
Tabling Of Draft Western Constitution
Appointment Date Of Languages Commissioner
Bill 14: Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Committee Report 3-13(3): Standing Committee On Resource Management And Development Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996-97
Bill 11: Appropriation Act, 1996-97
Committee Report 2-13(3): Standing Committee On Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Committee Report 1-13(3): Standing Committee On Government Operations Report On The Review Of The 1996-97 Main Estimates
Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Bill 10: Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1996- 97
Item 22: Orders Of The Day

Arena For Resolute Bay
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Levi Barnabas High Arctic

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I have stated before, the constituents of Grise Fiord and Resolute ... (Translation ends) ... those communities are colder, darker, windier and further north than most other communities in the NWT. In fact, as we know, Grise Fiord is the most northern community in North America.

Mr. Speaker, I had a little research done about the climate in Resolute Bay. I learned, for example, that the temperature in Resolute Bay, on average, never goes above minus eight Celsius during May. That is the warmest it gets in Resolute Bay in an average month of May.

If you think May in Resolute Bay is cool, the winter months are extreme. For example, in January, February and March, on average, the warmest it gets is between minus 27 to minus 29 Celsius. The coldest temperature in February and March, on average, is minus 36 to minus 37 degrees Celsius. Added to those cold temperatures, it is a steady north wind which averages over 20 kilometres per hour all year round. These are tough conditions in which to expect little children to skate outdoors. In contrast, Yellowknife, for example, can warm up to an average of plus 10 degrees Celsius in May, and as warm as minus 12 or minus 20 Celsius in April or March, on average.

Mr. Speaker, I know that the Minister and her staff are looking at ways of dealing with these problems. I thank her for that. However, Mr. Speaker, I want Members of this Assembly to appreciate that we have a good reason for asking for modifications to the community outdoor rink program ... (Microphone turned off)

Arena For Resolute Bay
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Barnabas, could you repeat your last sentence? It isn't on record. You were cut off before you were finished.

Arena For Resolute Bay
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Levi Barnabas High Arctic

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. However, Mr. Speaker, I want Members of this Assembly to appreciate that we have a good reason for asking for modifications to the community outdoor rink program. We are asking for shelter for our young skaters because of our climate. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--- Applause

Arena For Resolute Bay
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Ootes.

Survey On Deficit Elimination Tax
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Jake Ootes

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. From time to time, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business surveys its membership with various questions. Mr. Erasmus referred to various possibilities that could have been looked at, such as taxation. We have to look at alternatives.

One of the surveys and ballots that caught my eye is the question should the territorial government introduce a deficit elimination tax. Normally, they provide background, supporters' comments and opponents' comments. We all know the background to this. We have a deficit and we have to get rid of it. How do we get rid of it? The creation of new taxes is being considered as part of a balanced approach to getting rid of the deficit.

The supporters believe that taxes of this nature are the only fair way to allocate the burden of reducing deficits across a broad section of the population. They argue that deliberate item-specific taxes, which have a life span only as long as the problem they are set up to address, are the best method to quickly address budget deficits. The opponents contend that any new tax will have a negative effect on the economy and, thus, reduce the overall tax revenue eventually collected by the government. They believe there is no such thing as a temporary tax and are suspicious that any new tax created to fight the deficit will become permanent.

I agree with the results of this survey, Mr. Speaker. The question is should the territorial government introduce a deficit elimination tax. Yes, at five per cent in support; and, no, at 95 per cent. So I think there are alternatives for us to tackle our deficit by looking at items such as Mr. Erasmus raised and looking at more employment in the Territories so there is more income tax. Use the Territories as a base to have corporations have their headquarters so we can take advantage of the tax situation that we have here and thus benefit. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Survey On Deficit Elimination Tax
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Item 3, Members' statements Mr. Antoine.

Member's Statement Extending Thanks To Emergency Workers At Plane Crash Site Near Fort Simpson
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on the weekend, I, along with Mr. Henry and many other people, joined to celebrate with friends and families of Janice and Tim on their wedding. This wedding was a very joyous occasion for the new couple beginning a new life together. I would like to congratulate Janice and Tim on behalf of my family.

Mr. Speaker, I also wanted to mention the tragedy that happened during this wedding day where two people were in the accident in which the plane went down. One of the victims was the aunt to the bride, who is now in hospital and is in good medical hands, as well as in the hands of God. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the people who helped in the rescue that occurred. I would like to recognize the people who performed very professionally and are all volunteers in the Fort Simpson area; they should be recognized. They are members of the volunteer firefighters, the ambulance personnel, helicopter pilots. There was the Fort Simpson Hospital staff, the doctor and especially the nurse who went to the crash site and took the victims out to Edmonton.

Mr. Speaker, it is impressive that there was volunteer rescue help. It is good to know that we have people in the communities who are trained and ready to jump into emergency situations and function on a professional level. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--- Applause

Member's Statement Extending Thanks To Emergency Workers At Plane Crash Site Near Fort Simpson
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Antoine. Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Ningark.

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

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John Ningark Natilikmiot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize Lydia Bardak. Welcome.

--- Applause

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Welcome to the Assembly. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Ootes.

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

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Jake Ootes

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

I would also like to recognize Lydia Bardak and thank her for the show she put on on Friday with the puppets, for Members of the Legislative Assembly. Lydia is the executive director of the NWT Council for Disabled Persons.

---Applause

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Krutko.

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

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David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize the press who have been here time and time again, day in and day out. Thank you.

--- Applause

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Erasmus.

Question 317-13(3): Status Of Cabinet Vote On Motor Vehicles Act Amendment
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Premier. Later this week, we will be discussing an amendment to the Motor Vehicles Act that I am introducing, to make it mandatory to use headlights at all times. Since this isn't a government bill, will the Premier allow all Cabinet Members to vote freely as they please?

Question 317-13(3): Status Of Cabinet Vote On Motor Vehicles Act Amendment
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Premier.

Return To Question 317-13(3): Status Of Cabinet Vote On Motor Vehicles Act Amendment
Question 317-13(3): Status Of Cabinet Vote On Motor Vehicles Act Amendment
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Don Morin Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This issue has not been discussed with my Cabinet colleagues as of yet. Once we have the opportunity to discuss it, I will let the Member know.

Return To Question 317-13(3): Status Of Cabinet Vote On Motor Vehicles Act Amendment
Question 317-13(3): Status Of Cabinet Vote On Motor Vehicles Act Amendment
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Erasmus.

Supplementary To Question 317-13(3): Status Of Cabinet Vote On Motor Vehicles Act Amendment
Question 317-13(3): Status Of Cabinet Vote On Motor Vehicles Act Amendment
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Could the Premier let the House know whether Cabinet will be voting as a block or not when they discuss it?

Supplementary To Question 317-13(3): Status Of Cabinet Vote On Motor Vehicles Act Amendment
Question 317-13(3): Status Of Cabinet Vote On Motor Vehicles Act Amendment
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Premier.

Further Return To Question 317-13(3): Status Of Cabinet Vote On Motor Vehicles Act Amendment
Question 317-13(3): Status Of Cabinet Vote On Motor Vehicles Act Amendment
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Don Morin Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Definitely.

Further Return To Question 317-13(3): Status Of Cabinet Vote On Motor Vehicles Act Amendment
Question 317-13(3): Status Of Cabinet Vote On Motor Vehicles Act Amendment
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Krutko.

Question 318-13(3): Negotiations For Transfer Of Joe Greenland Centre
Item 6: Oral Questions

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David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the honourable Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Kelvin Ng. It is with regard to the Joe Greenland Centre, which is in the process of being negotiated for community transfer to the Aklavik Aboriginal Committee, which consists of the hamlet, the band and the Inuvialuit.

At the present time, those negotiations have been proceeding for a number of months. They are looking at possible conclusion of those negotiations this fall. I would like to ask the Minister if he can assure me that he will allow the negotiations to be completed and not impose on those negotiations. They should allow that to succeed in the free spirit of negotiations Could I get that assurance from the Minister? Will he allow those negotiations to proceed without interference, especially with regard to the fees that have been imposed on others?

Question 318-13(3): Negotiations For Transfer Of Joe Greenland Centre
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Ng,

Return To Question 318-13(3): Negotiations For Transfer Of Joe Greenland Centre
Question 318-13(3): Negotiations For Transfer Of Joe Greenland Centre
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it isn't the intent of the department to impose any kind of barriers or restrictions in the negotiating process between the Aklavik Aboriginal Committee and the department, in trying to finalize an agreement to turn over this facility. It is my understanding that negotiations continue to be advanced and we are hopeful that there will be a successful conclusion to that.